IPL 2024: Irfan Pathan Pays Tribute To MS Dhoni After CSK Skipper Steps Down Ahead Of RCB Clash

The Chennai Super Kings management have named Ruturaj Gaikwad as the new captain for IPL 2024.

New Delhi: Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan paid tribute to MS Dhoni after the Chennai Super Kings skipper stepped down from his leadership role on Thursday, just a night before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 kicks off in Chennai. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who led India to Asian Games gold in 2023, has been named as Dhoni’s successor at CSK.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Pathan, who played under Dhoni in the Indian team, had the best words in the dictionary to describe Dhoni. “In the ever-expanding galaxy of cricket, MS Dhoni’s legacy as CSK’s leader shines bright, akin to a supernova, illuminating the path for the franchise with unparalleled brilliance and allure. His leadership will be remembered for decades to come.

“Good luck Ruturaj for your new responsibility as a CSK leader,” he said.

In the ever-expanding galaxy of cricket, MS Dhoni’s legacy as CSK’s leader shines bright, akin to a supernova, illuminating the path for the franchise with unparalleled brilliance and allure. His leadership will be remembered for decades to come. Good luck Ruturaj for your new…

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 21, 2024

Interestingly, both Pathan and Dhoni played only one season at now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant. Rising Pune Supergiant were a part of IPL in 2016 and 2017 — the years when CSK along with Rajasthan Royals were banned by the IPL governing council.

Pathan recently met Dhoni and claimed that the latter appears to be in good shape following the knee surgery. “Last year, Dhoni said he was giving a gift to his fans with his cricket. I met with him a few days ago, he was playing pickleball for two hours non-stop. His knee was as fit as it ever was.

“It’s an exciting time for fans; he now has his vintage old look. Will we get the vintage old Dhoni too?” Pathan asked on Star Sports. “His role has changed in the past two years. He comes in lower-order, plays lesser deliveries but hits the big shots, the strike rate is high. It’s a small innings but a memorable one. I think there won’t be much of a change in that this year. He will continue to play that role,” said Pathan.